Starters show the way as Magnolia takes 2-1 lead over NLEX

The Magnolia Hotshots leaned on the strong performance of its starters to pull off a 106-99 victory over the NLEX Road Warriors on Wednesday.

With the win, Magnolia now holds a 2-1 lead in their best of seven series, after dropping their first game.

Jio Jalalon led Magnolia with 25 points, while Ian Sangalang tallied 24. Rome Dela Rosa and Paul Lee chipped in 17 and 14 markers, respectively.

A split from JR Quinahan made it a six-point game at the four minute mark, 98-92, but Rome Dela Rosa and Ian Sangalang stretched the lead to nine with 2:37 to go.

Misses from Kiefer Ravena and Larry Fonacier did not help NLEX’s cause, before the former completed a steal off Paul Lee for a lay up.

Magnolia head coach Chito Victolero then pressed for time, but Sangalang and Rafi Reavis couldn’t convert on their attempts.

NLEX head coach Yeng Guiao then called to set up a play for the Road Warriors, but Kevin Alas committed a turnover, which led to a Reavis make to put the game away.

Kiefer Ravenss was a spark off the bench, netting 20 points, while Kevin Alas led the starters with 15. JR Quinahan was also an effective reserve for 13 markers, while Michael Miranda and Larry Fonacier combined for 21.

Game 4 will be on Friday at the MOA Arena. — BAP, GMA News